Category: Band Reviews

Camden’s obscure haven. Offering great food, great staff and great music.

Anyone residing in the Macarthur area knows where Upstairs At Fred’s is situated. That’s right, it’s that enormous sweeping verandah atop of the old Whiteman’s building. Fred’s has been doing its best to offer Camden a venue with a difference since 2015 and I’m embarrassed to admit that it wasn’t until recently that I actually checked it out for myself.

Upon arrival there is the awe of history with beautiful ceilings and fireplaces. While this does look so grand it also gave me the feeling that it might of been styled to appease the more conservative patron. But I soon discovered that nothing could be further from the truth.

The crew at Fred’s are, as I discovered very passionate about the key to the soul. That’s right, music! This venue has hosted independent acts such as The Dardi Shades, Bleeding Knees Club, The Shang, The Chats and many more. Check out facebook for upcoming gigs! Recently I was fortunate to capture the maiden gig of local band Zucchini Soup.

Zucchini Soup is a trio combination of guitarists in Gregor MacKenzie, Aaroon McLoon both members of local outfit “The Swingin Old Fellas”. The third member, is fresh talent to the local music scene in the shape of Paula Bonocorso. Despite her inexperience, Paula conveys confidence in her performance through superb vocal tones. She also performs her own take on the classic Waifs track “Lighthouse” and adds such passion through her voice that the song has virtually become her own. Collectively, this outfit more than holds it own, presenting classic blues songs from the deep south to Santana and Ed Sherwin numbers. Zucchini Soup will certainly perform again at Fred’s in the near future but in the interim they have a gig at the Green Valley Hotel in early December. Date to be confirmed.

Finally, in addition to great music in a truly classy environment, Upstairs At Freds has a chef that is insanely passionate about the cuisine he offers. Beautifully prepared dishes include a superb tapas menu, burgers and kids treats. But essentially, Fred’s is not designed to be a family venue. Children are most welcome during daylight hours but come Friday or Saturday night, book the babysitter.

The best service at Fred’s.

So come Upstairs to Fred’s. Enjoy a great range of beer, wine and spirits all of which are served by friendly professional staff. And most importantly, get the music in you!!

That’s right music fans it all happens January 18 2020 when the Out Of Bounds Music Festival kicks the year off at the Campbelltown Athletics Centre. Tickets are on sale now! Don’t miss out on a line-up that boasts the talents of Melbourne based rapper/hip hop artist Alasdair Murray. Previously a member of “Crooked Eye”, Alasdair is now a solo performer under the stage name “ILLY”.

The alternative sounds of The Rubens who rose to fame in 2015 when their song “Hoops” topped Triple J’s Hottest 100 chart.

From north of the border comes Grace Shaw, who performs as Mallrat, a rapper from Brisbane.

Newcastle outfit, Trophy Eyes formed in 2013 and will be at Out Of Bounds to serve the tastes of punk fans.

The rock band Waax is also from Brisbane with vocalist Marie “Maz” Devita out in front.

Alex The Astronaut is the stage name of Australian singer-songwriter Alex Lynn who sings songs inspired by the world around her.

Graace, is a singer-songwriter from Sydney who is also noted for her vocal contribution to Hayden James’ platinum selling single Numb.

DJ’s set, from Lex Deluxe, connoisseur of all things funk, disco and dance.

An electrifying show from Melbourne band Northeast Party House will treat fans to a mix of songs offering the spine of rock with dance music and pop hooks.

More Queensland visitors in the shape of Dz Deathrays, a three piece dance/punk group from Brisbane.

So join us at “Out of Bounds” where you’ll see great artists and experience incredible sound!

Alternative Punk band Jacob have released their second album titled “Show Me Some Passion” and from a fan’s perspective, that’s exactly what it does. This four piece “INDIE/PUNK” unit is based in Wollongong and are driven by delivering the genuine article which is created through their perspectives of every day life experiences. Essentially Jacob is about honesty and not holding back on what’s inside your heart. This band’s inspiration comes from the truth and their sound is proudly delivered without inhibition.

The Wollongong Punk Sound

New Album

The opening track titled “baby, I’m a blockhead” offers a cracking tempo from the very beginning. But with that said, and without witnessing a live performance, I didn’t feel that it represented the genuine punk genre. However, after viewing the live performance of this song on the band’s FACEBOOK page, I really had to think again!

The tone and the electricity delivers a real smack in the mouth and for me personally, it is 100% PUNK! On that point, I think it’s not only good for a band to save the best version of a song for the live performance, it is also their responsibility.

Get It Now

Essentially the whole album gets better every time you listen to it and I really think good music doesn’t always catch you immediately. That sometimes, it just grows on you and this is one of those albums. Show Me Some Passion, offers energy and creativity and from a personal take, one of the highlights is track five “a special kind of love“. This is a blend of rich harmonies, a catchy riff and some pleading lyrics that have been mixed superbly with a good song being the end result.

Experience The Passion

· In summing up, this latest offering from Jacob offers a mixture of great riffs, energy and heart pumping tempo. This is a band that delivers from the heart, offering a refreshing mixture of fun and emotion. I have often said with reference to music, that it’s not always about the music! But where it takes you! In this instance “Show Me Some Passion” takes me on a journey of mixed emotions. A variety of highs and lows. In short, it’s a pretty good ride and I have to see them live!